15 March 2023 , 15:58
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Manchester United will complete a pre-season tour of the United States this summer.
The Red Devils will travel across the pond for the first time since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. United's football director John Murtough has told the players they will "love the high-quality facilities" available in the States, as they prepare for the new campaign.
Wednesday afternoon's announcement offers some certainty to United boss Erik ten Hag, with a potential takeover on the horizon. Current owners the Glazers put the Premier League club up for sale in November, although it is unclear how the saga will unfold.
"This will be our first visit to the US for five years and everyone at the club is looking forward to it, especially the players, who love the high-quality facilities, the welcoming atmosphere and passionate support of our large US fanbase," said Murtough.
It is unclear which clubs Ten Hag's players will face on their tour of the United States, although it is believed Chelsea and non-league side Wrexham - who are owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney - will also tour the country this summer. United fans can also expect a friendly against a Major League Soccer club.
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Murtough added, "As well as engaging with our fans, Tour 23 will give Erik and his squad the opportunity to reconnect with each other after the summer break and prepare for the restart of the Premier League.
Jose Mourinho was in charge of Manchester United the last time they toured the United States (Getty Images)Are you planning to watch Manchester United on tour? Let us know in the comments below!
"We’ve worked with the manager and his staff to create training camps with the best sporting facilities available, as well as a mix of competitive opponents to play, ensuring that the whole squad will have the best opportunity to gain fitness and playing time during their time in the US.
"Tour 2023 will not only see the return of our senior players to training and playing, but there will also be valuable opportunities for up-and-coming talent from our Academy to experience life within the first team environment - and for our US fans to see some potential stars of the future.
"We know that Man Utd and the Premier League in general are growing in popularity across the US, so we are looking forward to building on this connection this summer."
United's potential takeover hangs in the balance. The Glazers are believed to be holding out for at least £5billion to sell their 69 per cent stake in the club. If a sale goes through, the buyer will also need invest at least another £2bn to redevelop Old Trafford, their Carrington training ground and pay off the club's debts.
INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani are the two leading candidates to complete a takeover of United. Ratcliffe wants to buy out the Glazers, while Sheikh Jassim is determined to complete a full takeover.
Ratcliffe will visit Old Trafford this week for a face-to-face presentation on the buying process. Sheikh Jassim is also expected to attend the meeting - or a similar meeting - as the takeover race intensifies. There is still a good chance the Glazers will sell just a fraction of their shares, as they have promised to consider a number of strategic options.